Rooftop Jules Verne Panoramabar in Zurich

Jules Verne Panoramabar: a bar beneath the dome of the Urania

In the observatory tower

A landmark in the city centre, in Kreis 1, the round tower of the Urania observatory stands on the Uraniastrasse, a few minutes' walk from the main station. The bar occupies the floor just below the dome, with no connection to the observatory itself; you go up in the lift of the Brasserie Lipp, at the foot of the tower. The circular room, with its sage-green banquettes, pale arches and bar, is lined with large windows that frame the rooftops of the old town, the Grossmünster, St. Peter, the Fraumünster, the Limmat and the lake, with the Alps on the horizon on a clear day. At night, the illuminated city takes over.

Classic cocktails and literary nods

The menu pays tribute to the writer with cocktails named after his novels, such as the Nautilus Spritz at CHF 18, alongside carefully crafted classics: old fashioned, boulevardier or Swiss negroni at CHF 21, aged rum or bourbon cocktails at CHF 24. There are plenty of gins, tequilas, rums and whiskies, and the cellar offers white wines, red wines and champagnes, with a few dishes and snacks to go with them.

Practical information

The bar opens in the late afternoon, earlier on Saturday; opening hours and days should be checked before you come. The view is enjoyed indoors, behind the glass, by day and by night. The room can be hired exclusively for a family celebration, a meeting or a seminar. Tram to the Rennweg stop, a stone's throw away, or a few minutes' walk from the main station.